August 8, 2006
St. Anthony Cathedral in Beaumont has been granted Minor Basilica status by Pope Benedict XVI. In making the announcement today, Bishop Curtis Guillory said, "This is an honor and a blessing, not only for our Catholics, but also for all the people of Southeast Texas. Many have come to the cathedral for worship, especially in times of crisis like 9/11 and Hurricane Rita, and for special ecumenical services.
In conferring this special status, the Vatican recognizes the artistic and historical significance of the cathedral, as well as the importance it plays in the liturgical and pastoral ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Beaumont.
"This beautiful designation links us even more closely to the Chair of Peter. Basilica comes from a Greek word meaning 'hall of the King'. This is the place where our King and Savior, Christ, is worshiped," Bishop Guillory said.
The diocese requested in September 2005 that the Vatican consider the designation. Bishop Guillory asked Father Jerry McGrath, rector of St. Anthony, and Msgr. Michael Jamail, vicar general of the diocese, to prepare documentation of the Cathedral as a center of special devotion and historic significance characterized by its iconography and architecture. Bishop Guillory submitted that documentation to Rome along with the request.
The cathedral building will be 100 years old in 2007. It was renovated and restored in 2004, and is an historic attraction for the city and a place of pilgrimage for the faithful.
The new status will give the cathedral the responsibility of celebrating with greater solemnity certain church feast days such as the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. It will also be able to add the papal coat of arms to its artwork and sacred images.
The diocese is beginning plans for a special celebration of the new status. No date has been set. The cathedral will be the fourth Catholic basilica in Texas, and one of 60 in the United States.
See also: Bishop's letter